Kidwell appointed new coach of Kiwis side

An assistant under outgoing coach Stephen Kearney for the last three years, David Kidwell will have a chance to show what he can do in the top job after being appointed as the new coach of the New Zealand Kiwis side.

He will guide the Kiwis through until the end of 2017, which includes a World Cup in roughly a years time.

The first major tournament for Kidwell will be the upcoming Four Nations featuring the Kiwis, Australia, England and Scotland.

Having played for the New Zealand side during his playing days, Kidwell is honoured to be given the mantle as a coach and whilst he will be his own man in the role, he will adopt previous elements.

â€œI feel humbled and privileged to be named head coach of the Kiwis,â€ says Kidwell.

â€œAs an assistant, Iâ€™ve watched Stephen building a strong culture within the programme and I want to make sure that is upheld and becomes even stronger. Thatâ€™s the message Iâ€™ll be giving to our senior players.

â€œIâ€™ll add my own individual style to the Kiwis, but as far as culture and values and belief in ourselves, Iâ€™m determined to uphold these foundations of our house, as we say. That passion for the black-and-white jersey is paramount.â€

The aim of Kidwell’s appointment is to continue to grow the New Zealand Kiwis brand and entice the players coming through the ranks to represent the Kiwi side.

Alex Hayton, the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) Chief Executive says Kidwell is a good fit because it ensures the continuity throughout the transition.

â€œDavid has been part of a succession plan for when the head coach role became vacant,â€ says NZRL chief executive Alex Hayton.

â€œHe has contributed to the development of the Kiwis team culture, brings continuity and certainty to the playing group over the next 14 months, leading into the Rugby League World Cup.

â€œDavid will be contracted full-time through to January 2018. This will allow David to focus 100% on the role, but also assist in pushing the Kiwis brand among young players of NZ heritage living in Australia and attend various events in New Zealand to promote the game.â€